MISERY INDEX Complete Control | Weekly Heavy Metal Album Review

Released by Century Media Records on May 13th, 2022

Quick Background

Misery Index is an American death metal band formed in 2001 in Baltimore, Maryland, United States, by Jason Netherton (bass, vocals) as the only original member left. Misery Index's music is best described as death metal with strong hardcore punk and grindcore influences. Its lyrics tend to be highly critical of prevailing power structures in modern culture, everyday life and the ills of modern society. In 2020, the band signed with Century Media Records.

Complete Control

Complete Control is their seventh album following 2019's Rituals of Power. The new endeavor which was recorded in late 2021 features 9 tracks in 34 minutes. The longest song on the album, "Administer the Dagger" with almost 5 minutes, features a intro to the album within it. A slow build up from clean guitars to half tempo hardcore influenced verse. Some cool thrashy riffs come in and we are at fast tempo to get that mosh pit going. From the get goal one of the best features of the band's sound is apparent, the dynamic of the vocals being constantly traded by Netherton and Mark Kloeppel (guitar, vocals) and often they song together to give that extra punch. I think this works really well as both are aggressive death metal growls but in different styles. The single "The Eaters and the Eaten" features that same dynamic very clearly and it's a groovy and aggressive song with rhythmic changes that work very well. The title track has a traditional heavy metal feel to it and it rocks. A groovy and yet very heavy song. Darrin Morris on lead guitar doesn't overdue on the solos, but as in this song, they are usually short and melodic and in my opinion very welcomed. "Rites of Cruelty" brings a slightly different element, melo death metal, it kind of reminds me of At The Gates. The highlight on the B side is definitely the single "Infiltrators", one of the shortest songs on the album with only just above 2 minutes it's a punky thrash avalanche perfectly suitable for a live set list. The album closes with another short one, "Now Defied!" another blast in the years with a clear Slayer flavor. 

The Picky Guy

For what the band sets themselves to accomplish, I have really not a lot to complain  here. It's not mind blowing and I think side A is stronger, but it's an enjoyable death metal from star to finish. 

Wrap Up Opinion 

The album flows really well and sounds modern but still organic as in its core it is a heavy and straightforward death metal record. It's dynamic and heavy with provoking lyrics and executed very well. All in all, a good album, 81/100 and it certainly deserves a try.  

SCORE: 81/100

Genre: Death Metal / Grindcore

Released by Century Media Records on May 13th, 2022

Rating System

99 - 100 Perfect
94 - 98 Excellent
87 - 93 Great
82 - 86 Very Good
77 - 81 Good
66 - 76 Mixed
58 - 65 Bad

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